Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 1

By Sean Steimel, 06/17/17, 10:45PM PDT

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Agustin Cazarez’s late goal completes the comeback and gives Sacramento Republic FC the three points with a 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 came out as the aggressors early in the match as they capitalized in the fifth minute. Midfielder Ben McKendry, minutes after getting a shot on goal that was saved by Republic FC keeper Evan Newton, found a loose ball on the right wing. McKendry wasted no time in crossing the ball to the far post as he found an unmarked Terran Campbell waiting for the ball. Campbell blasted a shot that snuck under the cross bar and into the net for the early 1-0 lead.

Republic FC equalized in the 12th minute thanks to a stellar play from forward Sammy Ochoa. WFC2 defender Sem de Wit had the ball at his feet and Ochoa applied the pressure and took it from him. Ochoa took two touches towards goal and slid a powerful left-footed strike that beat oncoming WFC2 keeper Spencer Richey and went into the far post. The goal was Ochoa’s fifth goal in for USL play this season.

Both keepers in the match took turns making strong saves. Newton made a fantastic play in the 35th minute when he snuffed out a Vancouver attack coming up the left wing. Newton came off his line to stop a one-timed shot off a cross from the wing, which he fully laid out to make the save. Spencer Richey did his part in the 52nd minute when second half substitute Daniel Trickett-Smith flew up the wing before feeding the ball into Trevin Caesar’s feet. Caesar fired a shot right on goal only to have Richey make an impressive save to clear it away. Richey was forced to make another strong save in the 68th minute when Republic FC defender Elliott Hord sent a right-footed rocket on goal. Richey dove to his left and blocked the shot away.

Republic FC pulled ahead in the 74th minute of the match with a beautiful team goal. A build up play led to the ball getting to Tyler Blackwood out on the right wing. Blackwood darted past his defender, megging him in the process, as he picked his head up and sent a cross into the box. After a deflection sent the ball into Caesar, the forward laid the ball off behind him to Agustin Cazarez just outside the box. Cazarez snapped his left foot through the ball and placed his shot where nobody could get it as it hit the back of the net and gave Republic the lead for good. Cazarez’s goal was his second in as many matches for Republic FC, this one serving as the match winner.

“I think it was a slow start,“ said Republic FC Assistant Head Coach Adam Smith. “I think it showed a lot of character to come back. After going a goal down, we quickly came back which was great to see.”

Sacramento Republic FC’s next match will be against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on Wednesday, June 21 at 8:00 PM at Papa Murphy’s Park.